Ionia police dog sworn in

Wednesday

Aug 6, 2014 at 9:00 PMAug 6, 2014 at 9:00 PM

Ionia City Council approves contract to provide police services to Ionia Township

Karen Botakaren.bota@sentinel-standard.com

It's official. Blocker is the newest member of the Ionia Department of Public Safety.The city's new canine was sworn in Tuesday night at the Ionia City Council meeting.After asking Blocker to raise "your tail, your paws, your ears or something," Ionia City Manager Jason Eppler administered the oath of office, created by City Clerk Lynn Lafler, which read in part: "I do solemnly swear (or yelp), that I will faithfully perform the duties of the office of K-9 officer for the city of Ionia, and for the county of Ionia and the state of Michigan, according to the best of my abilities.""What do you think? Is that a yes?" Eppler asked Blocker who, on cue, nodded his head. (Well, OK, it might have been because he was maneuvering his favorite Kong toy that was in his mouth.)"That's a yes. It's official, Blocker," said Eppler.

(Watch the video of the swearing in here.)Blocker's partner, IDPS Officer Jennifer Skorka, picked him up Monday from Mid-Michigan Kennels in Eaton Rapids. He's been getting used to his new home and office, and riding around a bit in the K-9 patrol car. The dog and handler usually have about 10 days together to start bonding, before their training, which for Skorka and Blocker begins Aug. 18 for five weeks.In other council action, council members:

Approved a resolution recognizing Ionia Community Awareness Week as a non-profit operating in the community so the planning committee can obtain a charitable gaming license for a 50-50 raffle to raise money for local food pantries.
Accepted a 2014 strategic plan for fire apparatus replacement, which Mayor Dan Balice applauded as "prospective rather than retrospective."
Accepted a bid by Feehan & Son Excavating of Muir in the amount of $28,350 for demolition of three residential structures on tax-reverted properties to the county: 631 Harrison St., 334 E. Lincoln Ave. and 114 N. Jackson St. Locations were determined based on available funding, visibility, condition of the structures and complaints from neighbors about the properties.
Accepted a bid for replacing two Department of Public Works and two Department of Public Utilities vehicles totaling $92,731 from Signature Ford in Owosso and to sell a 1997, a 1998 and a 2005 truck and a 2001 van.
Approved an amendment to the city's engineering services agreement with Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr and Huber, which revises the rate schedule.
Approved an agreement with Ionia Township for the IDPS to provide police protection to the township for one year beginning Sept. 1. IDPS already provides fire and medical first responder services to township residents.
Approved the introduction and first reading of Ordinance No. 514, Zoning for Wireless Communication Towers, which incorporates changes at the state and federal level, Eppler explained. A public hearing on the matter will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at City Hall.
Approved a transportation contract with Ionia Public Schools to provide transportation services through Dial-A-Ride for students at Jefferson, Emerson, Ionia Middle and Rather schools.
Balice also announced that the Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Trail, from Saranac to Ionia, was named a 2013 Project of the Year by the Michigan Chapter of the American Public Works Association. The city received a plaque from the organization."That trail is absolutely raved about," Balice said. "People love the trail, and they're looking forward to the pedestrian walking bridge. It's a great project.Follow Karen Bota on Twitter @KarenB_ISS.